Iowa regents' tuition study hoped to prevent decline in quality

The president of the Iowa Board of Regents says it's time to study tuition trends as Iowa grapples with the growing costs of a higher education and declining quality.

David Miles says the review is needed because Iowa's public university system is at a "tipping point." He says if funding trends continue, educational quality will be eroded.

Miles talked about the review on Thursday during a speech in Iowa City. He says the board lost 25 percent of its state funding in 18 months. He says class sizes have grown and courses and programs have been cut, but tuition continues to rise.

Miles says Iowa's universities must become more self-sufficient, and not just in hard economic times.

The regents will review tuition this fall before considering rates for 2011-12 school year.

-- Associated Press